Find us on the web and social media

Dear Members

The clocks have gone back, the heating is on and over the next few days we’ll be up and down like yo yos answering the door to Halloween Trick or Treaters and giving out disgusting spooky sweets and treats 😊

For much of our health and care services Autumn and Winter is a chaotic and pressured time of year. Huge numbers of third sector staff and services become the front line in the Winter period providing support for those struggling with their health, their finances and loneliness. During this period, our sector provides a significant safety net for those in need; helping people to keep heating on, food in their cupboards and providing warm and safe spaces to meet as the dark, bad weather and autumn/winter struggles increase loneliness and isolation and the need for companionship and support.

People struggle to know where to turn to for health care and support so it’s really important all of us working in health, care, information and support in our sector know how to navigate our way to the right help at the right time. Make sure you and your staff know what help can be provided in local pharmacies, beef up your knowledge about who is eligible for COVID & flu jabs and encourage people to get them. Ensure you’ve got plenty of information about all the local Warm Spots/Hubs and when they are open, dig deep for information about what support is out there to help with winter heating bills, connect people to online services to deliver shopping, prescriptions or Meals on Wheels so no one who is vulnerable has to brave the winter ice, snow and wind to get basics and risk a fall.

Over the coming weeks we will be producing a Winter Themed Bulletin. The Bulletin will be filled with lots of key information including where to get good support about:

• Money & benefits
• How to save energy & where to get grants and support
• Warm Hubs/Spots & other places offering warmth & companionship

The Bulletin will also provide some easy-to-understand information about all the great services our local pharmacies provide.

Along with the Bulletin we will also be providing some brilliant easy read crib sheets/cheat sheets which we hope you can print off pin up at work, share with your colleagues or send out to the people you support.

Watch out for the wonderful Winter Themed Bulletin coming to your inbox soon.

To contact the Health Partnership Team just email below:

Clare Edwards Health Partnerships Manager
claree@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Holly Ferguson Health Partnerships Administration Officer
hollyf@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Sarah Penn Health Partnerships Support Officer
sarah.penn@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Money and practical support "Link and Think" event

When
6th, November 2025 from 12:00 to 15:00
Location
The Rooms Penrith, Penrith Parish Centre
St Andrew’s Place,
Penrith, CA11 7XX

A networking event for link workers and voluntary sector organisations in North Cumbria NHS area with a focus on money and practical support. Link workers will learn more about the support available to people who are in the area, and what some of the barriers and challenges might be to accessing it.
A networking event for link workers and voluntary sector organisations in North Cumbria NHS area with a focus on money and practical support.

Link workers will learn more about the support available to people who are in the area, and what some of the barriers and challenges might be to accessing it.

A light buffet lunch will be provided free of charge on arrival.
Link workers will be able to find out more about third sector services across North Cumbria, whilst VCFSE organisations will be able to find out more about the role link workers can play in helping people access their services

Do you struggle to find good, reliable data about the people you work with and where they live?
Could you do with good, reliable data to support project development or funding applications?
Are you interested in learning more about specific issues like housing, employment, crime etc?
Why not join us at this session?
17th November 2025 from 14:00 to 15:00 - Online via MS Teams
The Beginners Guide to the Cumbria Observatory will provide a brief introduction to the Cumbria Observatory and talk you through how to find the data and information most useful to you, your organisation and the people you work with.
What is the Cumbria Intelligence Observatory?
The Observatory is a fantastic local website that brings together existing research and analysis resources throughout Cumbria. The site works jointly with partners, to provide information and intelligence. It’s all arrange in easy to locate sections that include:
• Ward profiles
• Population
• Children & Young people
• Housing
• Health & social care
• Crime & community safety
• Deprivation
• Economy & employment
• Environment
• HDRC
You can identify and source detailed profiles of geographic areas including Cumbria as a whole, the unitary council areas of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness, former districts, wards, LSOAs and a number of other geographies within Cumbria.
If you can’t make the session and/or want to do a bit of research before why not head to the website
https://www.cumbriaobservatory.org.uk/

Clinical HealthPathways why are they important to the third sector & why you should get involved?

HealthPathways is an on-line resource which offers clinicians locally agreed information about health issues and conditions to make the right decisions, together with patients, at the point of care.
HealthPathways is designed and written for use during a GP consultation. Each pathway provides clear and concise guidance for assessing and managing a patient with a particular symptom or condition and who and how to refer them on for further tests and information. IMPORTANTLY Pathways also include information about other services including third sector organisations who can offer support and information to patients and their carers.
Content is developed collaboratively by general practitioners, hospital clinicians, and a wide range of other professionals including staff from the third sector. Each pathway is evidence-informed, but also reflects how services are delivered locally.

Third sector organisations can get involved in 2 ways:
1. Every fortnight new Pathways are published in draft form. You can get involved in commenting or asking for information to be added to the Pathway document. See below for the latest list.
2. Most important we want you to check through the Pathways and add your organisation’s information/website details to the Patient Information and/or Staff Information sections if you think it would be useful for GPs and other health staff to give patients your information
Username: NCumbria
Password: Partnership
Other pathways that have recently been published for comments/additions are:

Stroke

Dyspepsia and Heartburn

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Learn more about WorkWell and opportunities for the VCSE sector - join our webinars

The VCSE Partnership Programme is hosting a series of one-hour webinars, delivered by the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Integrated Care Board (ICB), to support the VCSE sector to better understand WorkWell and the opportunities it affords to VCSE organisations, the VCSE workforce and the people and communities who use our services. The VCSE sector plays a vital role in supporting the wider determinants of health and helping people to stay in work, and is acknowledged by the ICB as a key partner within WorkWell.

The webinars will enable attendees to hear new information about the WorkWell programme, and participate in discussions with ICB leads. Each webinar has a separate focus, based upon the different areas of WorkWell. Booking details below:

What is WorkWell? - introductory webinar

Monday 17th November, 2pm - 3pm, online

Claire Mills, NENC ICB Programme Manager, will explain in detail what the WorkWell programme is, how it came about, and how it has developed.

She will explore what it means to our region and how the VCSE sector is currently involved in planning and delivery of the programme.

The webinar will provide detail about the three 'pillars' of WorkWell – support for individuals; support for the health and care workforce including the VCSE sector; and support for employers.

There will also be the opportunity for questions and discussions following Claire’s presentation.

Register here

WorkWell webinar - support for health and care staff

Thursday 4th December, 3pm - 4pm, online

This webinar will be delivered by Lee Sprudd, NENC ICB Programme Manager.

Lee will share in-depth information about 'pillar two' of the WorkWell programme, which focusses on support for health and care staff, including the variety of services available. All of which can be accessed by VCSE sector employees.

Lee will also share progress and aspirations relating to collaborative work with the VCSE sector to support pillar two aims.

The session will conclude with time dedicated to questions and further discussion.

Register here

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are delighted to share our annual review for 2024/25.
We’ve seen considerable positive change this past year as we welcomed new members of staff, new volunteers, new places of work, new funding relationships, and even new branding and a new website.

Chair of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trusts steps down because of ill health.
Steven Morgan has stepped down from his role as Chair of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) with effect from 1st November 2025 following a period of illness.

These seminars are designed for people who work with, or advocate for autistic people.

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise signs that an autistic person may be having thoughts of suicide and respond safely and clearly.
• Understand and use plain, predictable communication to reduce sensory/processing barriers.
• Understand autism-friendly approaches to self-harm self-help/self-management.
• Building support in your own setting and know where to signpost for further help.
• Include lived experience in safe, respectful and purposeful ways.

Duration: Half-day (Registration from 9 am, Seminars 9:30 am – 1 pm)

Cost: £39 + fees (refreshments included, lunch not provided)

All profits go directly back into suicide prevention work in Cumbria.

Sessions will be delivered by the Every Life Matters team, with a workshop led by Helen Storey MBE, an award-winning leader in autism projects and advocacy.

Book Barrow – 11 Nov 

Book Workington – 13 Nov

If you need to arrange an invoice or PO number before booking, please just get in touch at training@every-life-matters.org.uk

Click the link below to view the upcoming Bereavement Support opportunities around the county. 

- Tinnitus Support Group - Do you live in Cumbria and have Tinnitus? Join our friendly support group. Taking place the 2nd Wednesday of every month 10.30am-11.30am at St James Church Parish Centre, St James' Road, Carlisle, CA2 5DP. 

- Drop in for special equipment - Need information about specialist equipment for your hearing loss? or need  some general advice? Taking place 1st Wednesday of each month 10.30am-11.30am (starting 3rd December) at Whitehaven Library, Lowther St, Whitehaven, CA28 7QZ.

Please see below the new dates when we will be taking HARRI back out during November, if you would like to join us, please do be in touch, if you are planning any events and wanted HARRI please email Community.Roots@lscft.nhs.uk

Cumbria Adult Learning are delivering a FREE Getting started with NHS Apps course

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 13:30 - 15:30 Victoria Hall (Grange)

About the course:

This course has been designed for Adults who want to get the most out of using Apps to access GP services. Everything you need to know about your NHS account and the NHS App, as well as others, to help you access NHS services online.

How will the course be delivered?

You will work directly with your tutor as part of a small group covering the course aims. Your tutor will feed back to you throughout each session on your progress.

What do I need to bring?

You must bring your fully charged device with you.You might find a pen and notebook handy to take notes and if you wear glasses don't forget to bring those too.

Follow the link to book a place:

https://adultlearningcumbria.org/search-courses-0/getting-started-nhs-apps-ken25t018

Find out more about other Beginners sessions to using iPhones and Androids

https://adultlearningcumbria.org/search-courses-0?search_api_fulltext=Getting+Started+with+NHS+Apps

As the colder months approach, we’re launching our ‘Winter Ready’ campaign, your go-to hub for support, advice, and resources to help you, your family, and your business stay safe, warm, and well this winter. 

From frosty roads to flu season, our updated webpages are packed with practical tips and essential information — all in one easy-to-access place.   What’s new this year? 

What’s available? 

• Regular updates and advice across our social media channels. 
• Handy sections covering:
• Your Health in Winter Weather – stay protected with up-to-date guidance. 
• Emergency Planning – prepare for flooding and check property risks.
• Winter Travel – get the latest safety tips and weather alerts. 

Cost of Living Support – find help with household expenses. 

Weather ready | Cumberland Council

A group called Olovus have been commissioned by the ICB to work on public engagement for the Work Well programme.

They want to run a workshop in Carlisle in November (date tbc) to get input from the service users to help shape the service.

• Attendees will be paid for their time [£50]
• For people who have had a fit-note in the last six months
• For people who are eligible to work in the UK
• Applications close 31st October

Anyone interested in attending can follow this link to register their interest  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WorkWellWorkshops/

Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Local Resilience Forum (CLRF) are working with communities to provide more locally accessible support to prepare for and respond to flooding emergencies.

The council area covers 1,500 square miles and is one of the largest and most rural unitary authorities in the country, which presents particular challenges when a speedy response is required to localised emergencies like flooding.

Working with CLRF partners and community resilience groups, the council is aiming to ensure the right support is available in the right areas and closer to the communities most at risk from flooding.

Find out more at the Cumbria FLOOD HUB

Cumbria | The Flood Hub

Cumbria Adult Learning are delivering a range of smartphone Beginners sessions over the coming months. A great way to get people to use the NHS app and other health related apps and online services.

iPhone for Beginners (WOR25T006)

Digital Skills

This course offers an introduction to iPhones and how they can be used in everyday life. We will cover such topics as how to access the internet using your phone, how to access your emails and how to alter basic settings amongst other topics.

Workington

Friday, 5 December 2025 for 2 weeks Time: 13:00 - 15:00 Venue: Workington Library

Penrith

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 for 3 weeks Time: 09:30 - 11:30 Venue: Penrith Library

Android Smartphone for Beginners (PEN25T056)

Digital Skills

This course offers an introduction to Android Smartphones and how they can be used in everyday life. We will cover such topics as how to access the internet using your phone, how to access your emails and how to alter basic settings amongst other topics

Penrith

Thursday, 6 November 2025 for 3 weeks Time: 09:30 - 11:30 Venue: Penrith Library

Workington

Friday, 5 December 2025 for 3 weeks Time: 10:00 - 12:00  Venue: Workington Library

Barrow

Thursday, 6 November 2025 for 3 weeks Time: 10:00 - 12:00 Venue: Hindpool Community Centre

Kendal

Friday, 28 November 2025 for 3 weeks Time: 10:00 - 12:00 Venue: Kendal Library Free Course

For more information:

https://adultlearningcumbria.org/search-courses-0?search_api_fulltext=Getting+Started+with+NHS+Apps

There are also some limited sessions on Getting Started with the NHS App

Wellbeing Walks at Walkmill Woods Moresby Parks.

Fridays 11 am- 12 .15 pm meet in Carpark CA28 8XU

31^st October

28^th November

All welcome, dogs on leads and accompanied children. Gentle walk and chat in the beautiful Walkmill Woods followed by a cuppa and toasted marshmallow in the forest clearing.
Call 01946 853322 for more information.

A vital mental health texting service is now available through NHS 111. The service, which is provided by SHOUT with support from the ICB, is now part of the 111 offer to make it easier for people to access.
 
Many people find texting an easier way to make contact, especially if they are experiencing a mental health crisis and don’t feel ready to talk. Now, if you phone NHS 111 for urgent mental health support, you will also hear a message offering help through texting with a mental health professional.
 
Anyone in the region experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges can use the service by texting the word 'CALMER' to 85258.
 
The text service is not for emergency support, and does not replace the option to talk to an advisor. The NHS would always advise you to phone 999 if there is a serious risk to life.

A new bus route will call at the Carlisle Healthcare South Surgery enabling people without their own transport to get to their local Dr.

The route to the surgery will be known as Doctor 1 (DR 1), Locke Road Surgery & Carleton Clinic (DR1)

Join us for a variety of fun, friendly activities designed to help you stay active, healthy, and connected—right here in the Eden District or from the comfort of your own home.

Our classes are led by fully qualified instructors who understand a wide range of medical conditions and work closely with NHS community care teams, local GP practices and Westmorland and Furness council to support your wellbeing.
We aim to promote physical, social and mental well being through accessible exercises. Built on the 5S’ Stamina, strength, suppleness, skill and SMILES.

A warm, friendly space to make new friends and have a good old chat.
When: Every Monday, 11am - 1pm and every Friday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
with optional gentle exercise class 1:30pm - 2pm
Where: Board room
Includes: Tea, coffee, biscuits, light lunch and games
Cost: £2 per person
Email betterhealth.eden@gll.org for more info.

The University of Cumbria has recently secured funding for a landmark 3.5-year project to tackle mental health inequalities across the region. For too long, the unique challenges faced by communities in Cumbria - especially in our more remote and rural areas - have been under-researched.

Our goal is to change that by putting the voices of those with real-world experience at the very heart of it. We want to listen, understand and co-develop practical, lasting solutions and research  that genuinely make a difference. To do this, we need your help.

We are looking for a dedicated group of about 10-12 people to form our core Patient, Public Involvement and Community Engagement (PPICE) group. This group will be our project's conscience, its guide and its driving force.

What does being involved look like?

The commitment would be to attend several meetings until the project finishes. In these sessions, we won't just be asking for your opinions; we'll be working together to:

• Shape the project’s direction and research priorities.
• Co-design solutions and how they are delivered.
• Ensure the project team's work is grounded in reality and meets the needs of Cumbrian communities.

The group aims to be more than just a feedback group – the vision is for a partnership that is equal. Your input will be fed directly back to the main project executive group, influencing decisions at the highest level. There will also be opportunities for training and authoring in research and co-production if this interests you, helping you to develop new skills if you wish.

Thank you for your time and for considering this exciting opportunity. 

If you’re interested in learning more, please express your interest in this project by contacting Alexis Quinn:

Alexis Quinn A.quinn@restraintreductionnetwork.org

Re: Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden – Appleby Outreach

Our outreach at the Appleby Medical Practice will take place on the following dates in November and December 2025:

• 04 November 2025
• 18 November 2025
• 02 December 2025
• 16 December 2025

Please note, we will be offering a 10am appointment slot, which can be booked by calling our admin line (03300 563 037), and drop-ins remain welcome from 11am onwards.

The Charlie Waller Trust is currently offering FREE training funded by NHS England.

The Trust welcomes applications from parents or carers with lived experience of supporting a child or young person with mental health issues in partnerships with a service that supports children, young people and or

families to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing anywhere in the UK, whether in the voluntary sector, NHS, education system or in children's services.

Applications now being taken for the fully funded Parent Carer Peer Support course which will start in the first week of January 2026.

Applications close at 6pm Friday 28th November, 2025.

Click here for more information

The latest activities and events taking place at the Eden Rural Foyer.

The Vision for Volunteering surveys are open until 30 November so please do have your say and fill them in NOW!

(it only takes 6-8 minutes):

• If you are a volunteer - Help Shape the Future of Volunteering in Cumbria
• If you work with volunteers – Your Voice, Your Vision: Volunteer Managers Survey

Also, please attend one of our remaining face-to-face workshops across the county to help us to shape the Vision for the Future of Volunteering in Cumbria.

Sign up here:

14 November: Cumbria Volunteering Strategy Engagement Workshop – Barrow | Cumbria CVS

19 November: Cumbria Volunteering Strategy Engagement Workshop – Allerdale | Cumbria CVS

20 November: Cumbria Volunteering Strategy Engagement Workshop – Penrith | Cumbria CVS

25 November : Cumbria Volunteering Strategy Engagement Workshop – Copeland | Cumbria CVS

Why are we doing this?

Volunteers are pivotal to the work of many of our local organisations and volunteering is a powerful force for change on both a local and national level, but we know that currently it isn’t equally accessible or enjoyable for everyone. Over recent years we have seen many changes to the way in which people volunteer because of the pandemic, cost of living crisis and a rise in loneliness and as a result volunteering needs to adapt to remain relevant, strong and attractive for both existing and future volunteers.

Cumbria CVS is committed to future-proofing volunteering activity across the county and over the next few months will be running two surveys and a series of six engagement workshops with local community groups, third sector organisations, key stakeholders and partners and volunteers from local communities to develop a Cumbria Volunteering Strategy.

We have funding to seek the views of volunteers and volunteer leads to help us to shape the future of volunteering across Cumbria. We would love to hear your views – what is good, could be improved and any big ideas you have.

There are two ways to get involved:

1. Fill in our survey
2. Attend one of our workshops

See links above.

Our latest post has key updates, including funding and project opportunities, representative roles and working groups you might want to get involved in and much more.

The latest vacancies in Cumbria, from across the sector. You'll also find vacancies with Cumbria CVS here too.

Cumbria CVS offers a free membership service for Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations throughout Cumbria. This membership gives you access to our free services, including:

Newsletters (get our monthly e-bulletin first)
Focus on Funding online - the latest funding opportunities
Governance Support
Add your organisation to our member's directory and searchable map
Advice
Policy Templates
Training and events
Funding support
Networks
Free job adverts
Volunteering support
Right to vote at our AGM

If you want to receive the latest news, events and updates on:

General sector info for your area
Our volunteering network
Volunteering vacancies
Our Action for Health and Mental Health Provider Forum networks
Trustee network
+ more

You can sign up for individual newsletters and manage your subscriptions to our mailings, all in one place!